Albert O’Connor

Albert O’Connor was born on July 15, 1843 in Hereford, Canada. At the start of the war he was living in West Point, Columbia County, Wisconsin.

He enlisted June 12, 1861 in Company A of the 7th Wisconsin Infantry, becoming a corporal. On May 5, 1864 he was wounded at the Wilderness.

He was captured on April 1, 1865 at Gravelly Run, Virginia, and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions there:

“For action at Gravelly Run, Virginia on March 31 and April 1, 1865. On March 31st, with a comrade (William H. Sickles), Albert recaptured a Union Officer from a deteachment of 9 Confederates, capturing 3 and dispersing the remainder. On April 1st, Albert seized a stand of Confederate colors, killing a Confederate officer in hand-to-hand combat. He retained the colors until surrounded by Confederates, compelling him to relinquish them.”

O’Connor mustered out on July 3, 1865, with the brevet rank of captain.

He died on April 3, 1928 in Orting, Pierce Co., Washington, and is buried at the Soldier’s Home in Orting, Washington with his comrade, William Sickles.